Kidney stones are a common problem among Singaporeans, especially as many of us have diets rich in red meat, salty foods, and sugar. So it’s not surprising that urologists in Singapore provide a range of kidney stone removal treatments.
But it doesn’t mean you can’t try passing the stone naturally first. Let’s explore some ways we can make the process easier before we start considering medical intervention.
Smaller Stones Can Be Removed Without Surgery
Kidney stones came in a wide range of types and sizes. Some of them can be no bigger than a grain of sand or rice, while there are rare ones that can grow as large as a golf ball or even bigger.
In most cases, stones smaller than 6mm can be treated with home remedies and typically take a few weeks to pass.
But you should still check with a urology clinic in Singapore regarding your kidney stone removal options. The team can conduct imaging tests to assess the kind of stone and recommend appropriate actions.
Natural Kidney Stone Removal Methods To Do at Home
What if your stones are small enough to try and pass by yourself at home? Here are some remedies the doctor will likely recommend:
- Increase Your Water Intake – Aim for 2-3 litres of water or more to boost the amount of urine your body produces. This helps flush out the stones and dilutes the minerals and acids that would have crystalised and formed larger stones.
- Try Apple Cider Vinegar – This vinegar contains acetic acid, which helps dissolve kidney stones. You can simply add two tablespoons in a glass of water once a day or sprinkle some on your food.
- Drink Celery Juice – If you have calcium oxalate stones, you can drink celery juice to break the crystals down. Celery also has high water content to support urine production.
- Have Plenty of Citrus Fruits – Citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges are rich in citric acid, which can keep calcium oxalate crystals from growing larger. They can help you pass the crystals much faster.
- Adjust Your Diet – You should also avoid certain foods that contribute to stone formation, including fast food or processed goods. Your doctor may also help you develop a meal plan to reduce your risk of having more stones.
Related Infographic: Managing Kidney Stones Without Surgery
When Will A Urologist Recommend Medications?
We mentioned earlier that it generally takes a few weeks for small kidney stones to pass naturally. However, if the stone is still stuck inside for a month or more, then your urologist in Singapore may prescribe medications to remove it. They may also recommend such options if the stones are too big to pass by themselves but not large enough to warrant kidney stone removal surgery.
Some of these medications are:
- Alpha-blockers to relax the muscles in your ureter so the stones can pass through more easily
- Potassium citrate to further increase citric acid levels in your urine
- Antibiotics for urinary tract infections caused by stone blockages
- Painkillers to relieve your pain
When Is It Advisable To Have Surgery?
Your specialist will likely recommend surgery if the stone is too large (10mm or more) to pass with just home remedies and medications. They will also check for other symptoms that could put you at great risk regardless of the stone’s size, such as:
- You’re suffering from too much pain that can’t be managed by pain relievers.
- You keep having repeated cases of urinary tract infections.
- The stone is completely blocking the urinary tract.
Kidney Stones: Painful But Not Impossible to Pass
Though it depends on its nature, treating your kidney stones is often possible without the need for medications or operations. But it’s always important to discuss your options with your physician first. They can help determine whether natural methods are enough or if you need to undergo kidney stone removal surgery in Singapore.
Don’t wait until you experience worse symptoms. Instead, get medical advice as soon as you can so your kidneys can be treated before it’s too late.